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Isabel Erickson
I have experience with data analysis, experimental design, data quality management, and literature reviews that can be applied to clinical projects. I have had the opportunity to do chairside observation of clinical specimen collection and have managed and tracked through data generation ten derivative samples per patient. I am searching for a research assistant position on a clinical project in order to further my goal of attending graduate school for clinical psychology.
Education
B.A. Biology (Philosophy Minor) - High Honors
Swarthmore College
Swarthmore, PA
2018 - 2014
- Thesis: Unusual Composition and Predicted Function of the Gut Microbiomes of Avian Nectarivores as Revealed by 16S rDNA Analysis
Valedictorian
Mount Desert Island High School
Bar Harbor, ME
2014
Research Positions
Postbaccalaureate, National Human Genome Research Institute
Segre Laboratory
National Institutes of Health
2019 - 2018
- Improved reference-based classification of microbial DNA from human samples by determining that a significant percentage of metagenomic reads derived from skin isolates were environmental contaminants from diverse sources.
- Performed culturomics, generating 2000+ bacterial isolates from the skin of healthy volunteers. Extracted DNA from 500 colonies for whole genome sequencing. Catalogued and organized all samples.
- Wrote a bash script to build a lab-specific Kraken2 reference database. Wrote a tutorial in Rmarkdown to integrate database into lab metagenomics pipeline.
Honors Thesis Researcher, Microbiology lab
Vollmer Laboratory
Swarthmore College
2017
- Using illumina sequencing of DNA extracted and amplified from hummingbird fecal samples, determined that the hummingbird gut microbiome is dominated by Actinobacteria
- Recieved and tracked ~300 biological samples from a collaborator in the field and developed a system to ensure that all material derived from these samples (extracted DNA, amplicons, sequencing data) could be matched to data collected in the field.
- Performed a literature review to guide experimental design and protocol development.
Undergraduate Researcher, Developmental Biology lab
Davidson lab
Swarthmore College
2015
- Determined that left-right asymmetry development in Ciona intestinalis depends on the presence of the embryonic chorion but not on asymmetric expression of pitx, furthering the lab’s goals of elucidating cardiac development.
- Established lab protocol for in situ hybridization using an antisense RNA probe.
- Using a confocal microscope, developed protocol for live imaging of cardiac precursor cell migration.
Teaching
Microbial Ecology TA
Microbial biology lab
Swarthmore College
2016
- Worked with a professor as part of a group of four to plan and prepare reagents, plates, and cultures for lab.
- Demonstrated techniques of microbial biology to a class of twelve students and guided students through laboratory exercises.
Tutor
Dare to Soar
Chester, PA
2016
- Assisted groups of 10-20 elementary and middle school students with reading and math homework for 2 hours per week as part of a team of 2-3 tutors.
- Engaged with students of varied backgrounds and interests to encourage appreciation for academics.
Tutor
Science for Kids
Swarthmore, PA
2015
- Taught group of 15 middle-school children scientific concepts including projectile motion and basic coding.
Tutor
Science for Kids
Swarthmore, PA
2015
- Taught group of 5 high-school age children biological concepts around DNA duplication, expression, and regulation.
- Oversaw student-run experiments to improve understanding of embryo development, enzyme regulation, and cell growth.
- Provided students with guidance in scientific writing in preparation for a poster presentation at a community science fair.
Presentations
American Society for Microbiology
Poster presentation: Changes in hummingbird gut microbiomes in relation to migratory fattening cycles
Atlanta, GA
June 2018
Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology
Poster presentation: Gut Microbiota of Sympatric Migratory and Resident Hummingbirds
Tampa, FL
January 2019
NIH Translational & Functional Genomics Branch Meeting
Oral presentation: You find what you look for: Improving reference-based methods of classifying metagenomic sequences
Bethesda, MD
April 2019
Other Work
Line Cook
Bar Harbor Lobster Company
Bar Harbor, ME
2019
- Coordinated timing of meal production between three teams to ensure prompt and high quality food for guests.
- Monitored and maintained stocks of food prepared for service.
- Ensured food safety through proper labelling, storage, and organization of ingredients.
World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms
Jasper’s Place
Peterswell, Ireland
2019
- Took care and ensured safety of animals, including sheep, ducks, turkeys, chickens, cats, and dog
- Weeded, watered, and harvested various vegetables and herbs. Ensured proper storage and preservation of produce.
Line Cook and Baking Assistant
Sweet Pea’s Cafe
Bar Harbor, ME
2016
- Worked as part of a team of seven to prepare ingredients for use on the line during service and with a team of four during service to cook meals.
- Maintained sourdough culture through daily feeding and temperature regulation for use in baking sourdough, brioche, pizza dough, baguettes, and focaccia.
- Helped maintain inventory by identifying ingredients for purchase and prep.
Honors and Awards
Robert Reynolds and Lucinda Lewis ’70 Summer Research Fellow
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Deborah A. DeMott ’70 Student Research Internship
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Centennial Conference Academic Honor Roll
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Women’s Varsity Cross Country and Track Captain
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Sigma Xi, Swarthmore Chapter, Associate member
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Leo M. Leva Memorial Prize in Biology
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NIH Intramural Research Training Award
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